QUARTERBACK (C-)

A look around the SEC reveals several QBs who have been more productive than the Vols'. Rick Clausen is an overachiever who had special moments against LSU, but he failed to spark the offense the past two games. Erik Ainge started strong, but has not been himself since being replaced.

RUNNING BACKS (C-)

The group has yet to break a run of more than 25 yards through five games. Gerald Riggs is a solid back, but with the exception of the overtime period against LSU, he has not looked spectacular. Arian Foster shows potential but nothing dynamic. Cory Anderson had a couple of dropped passes and hasn't been a consistent blocker.

WIDE RECEIVERS (C-)

Numerous drops and mediocre running after the catch. C.J. Fayton was tops until his injury. Jayson Swain has stepped up. Robert Meachem's toughness is questionable as he has struggled to play through pain. Bret Smith has had big moments, but not enough. Chris Hannon's 4.28 speed is going for naught.

OFFENSIVE LINE (B-)

Haven't allowed many sacks, more impressive when you look at the QBs' lack of mobility and receivers' inability to get separation. Hardly dominant in short yardage but have provided some big enough holes on many other occasions. Untimely penalties have hurt, but overall this group is above average.

DEFENSIVE LINE (A-)

LSU is the only team to find rush lanes, and then, only sporadically. Jesse Mahelona is having an All-American season and Parys Haralson has come on. Jason Hall has made plays, and Justin Harrell is proving to be a big-time player. Xavier Mitchell and Tony McDaniel have played well in relief.

LINEBACKERS (B+)

Kevin Simon has regained his quickness and is making big plays. Omar Gaither has been active and solid, but he can play better. Jason Mitchell's knee injury might have cost him some explosion. Vols need big plays from Mitchell's weakside position. Jerod Mayo has impressed.

SECONDARY (A-)

Only given up one passing touchdown all season and Jonathan Wade, Jason Allen and Jonathan Hefney turned in some momentum-changing plays at key moments. Run support has been good (Allen led the team in tackles). Roshaun Fellows or Inky Johnson must step up.

SPECIAL TEAMS (D)

Kick coverage has been good, but other units have lagged. Britton Colquitt has done fair but is nowhere close to his potential. Return game is improving, but still not where it needs to be. Gunners on punt coverage need improvement. James Wilhoit is a clutch kicker but needs more consistency on field goals.

COACHING (C-)

The defensive plans have been foolproof, as the Vols have executed their game plans with the talented players stepping up. Offensively, Phillip Fulmer admits there's no identity, and the run game (ranked 100th) has been an embarrassment. The Vols sorely needed this off week to find direction.

OVERALL (C-)

A below average performance stemming from an ineffective offense and horrid special teams. The Vols, at 3-2, aren't out of it yet. The team could be 2-3 - or 4-1. Georgia was the only team that clearly out-played UT. Expectations, in hindsight, were unrealistic. This team lacks offensive playmakers at the skill positions.